Suffering

Potions Class

You made your way over to the chair. It wasn't just next to Draco; it was also in the front row of the classroom. Draco had always been a bit of a kiss-ass in potions. His father was, after all, close friends with Professor Snape.

You pulled the chair from under the table, and of course, it made that terrible squealing sound on the stone floors. Everyone looked your way as if it was something you could control. Professor Snape just rolled his eyes and started the lecture.

"Now that we are all seated, turn to page 394 in your textbooks," said Professor Snape. He glared at you for what felt like an eternity. "The first potion we are going to brew this year is the Draught of Peace. It leaves the user with a calming haze. It's particularly useful for emotional outbursts." Just then, he shot his eyes toward you.

You could feel his eyes burning on the back of your head, and you chose to simply keep your head down. It was easier this way. It was better this way.

Professor Snape said, "This will be a group effort. Please do not disappoint me," as he returned to his desk. He picked up his quill and started rustling through parchments as students got up to retrieve the ingredients from the shelves.

Draco shot you a look that said, "please do not mess this up for me." You simply smiled and nodded your head as to not cause any more arguing. At least not during this class.

Draco got up and retrieved the ingredients while you sat, losing yourself in your thoughts. Since you had a partner today, you could let your mind wander. You knew Draco was adept at performing this simple task.

After a bit, the Professor walked around, looking at everyone's cauldron. Most of the time, he gave a displeased look and kept moving. He stopped in front of you and Draco.

He leaned over to check your cauldron. It was bubbling, and it was relatively the correct shade for the Draught of Peace. The Professor simply huffed and said, "Satisfactory," in a drawl that bred condescension.

Professor Snape turned to look at you and said in a long, drawn-out tone, "Miss Y/L/N, care to explain why you didn't aid in this particular task?" You could feel your face flush again.

You didn't want to answer. It was as if he already knew the answer and was forcing you to admit it. Finally, you said in the quietest, meekest tone, "I'm sorry, Sir, my mind was somewhere else."The Professor raised his eyebrow as if shocked that you admitted you weren't paying attention.

 He said, "Perhaps detention would serve you right. You will come after dinner and brew this potion yourself, without the use of a textbook. Do I make myself clear?" This was the worst possible scenario you could think of.

You knew this potion somewhat, but brewing it without your textbook on such short notice seemed like a daunting task. It felt as if Professor Snape was just picking on you. He was singling you out for the brunt of his annoyance that day. This was the second time he had sneered something at you.

You could feel yourself filling with rage. This day just went from bad to devastating. You tried to get ahold of yourself and simply replied, "Yes, Sir."